Visions of Michigan Avenue crowds knocking around in your head? These holiday craft and art fairs may provide some respite, and handmade frames, blown glass, and knitted caps can make a refreshing alternative to ties and fruitcake. Events are given in chronological order and are free unless otherwise specified.
One of a Kind Show and Sale, Merchandise Mart, 312-527-4141. Photography, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, fine art, furniture, clothes. Thursday and Friday, December 4 and 5, 11 AM to 8 PM; Saturday, December 6, 10 AM to 8 PM; Sunday, December 7, 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission (good for all four days) is $10, $7 for students and seniors, free for kids under 12.
Winter Arts and Crafts Expo, Evanston Art Center, 2603 Sheridan, Evanston, 847-475-5300. Jewelry, ceramics, glass- and metalwork, textiles. Thursday, December 4, 5 to 9 PM; Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, 10 AM to 8 PM; Sunday, December 7, 11 AM to 5 PM.
All That Glitters, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, 312-744-6630. Beaded pens, jewelry, fine art, frames, bath soaps and salts, teddy bear paraphernalia. Friday, December 5, 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday, December 6, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Animal Care League Holiday Bazaar, Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest, Oak Park, 708-848-8155. Wreaths, ornaments, pet gift baskets, baked goods. Friday, December 5, 3 to 9 PM, and Saturday, December 6, 9 AM to 3 PM.
Annual Holiday Show, Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood, 773-769-4226. Dolls, knitted caps and scarves, cards, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, paintings. Opening reception Friday, December 5, 5 to 9 PM. Show runs through December 31: Monday through Friday 10 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.
Annual Holiday Bazaar 2003, Woman Made Gallery, 2418 W. Bloomingdale, 773-489-8900. Handmade boxes, tiles, scarves, ornaments, and more. Opening reception Friday, December 5, 6 to 9 PM. Through December 21: Wednesday through Friday noon to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday noon to 4 PM.
Cornelia Arts Holiday Show, Cornelia Arts Building, 1800 W. Cornelia, 773-883-9194. Jewelry, paintings, sculpture, photography, prints, clothes, glassware, ceramics, holiday items. Friday, December 5, 6 to 9 PM; Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, 11 AM to 5 PM.
DEPART-ment, Open End Gallery, 2000 W. Fulton, room 310, 312-738-2140. Clothing, furniture, baked goods, and more. Friday, December 5, 7 to 11 PM; Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, 11 AM to 5 PM.
Holiday Expo, Saint Thomas the Apostle School, 5467 S. Woodlawn, 773-363-0202. Jewelry, African clothing and art, dolls, baked goods, and more. Saturday, December 6, 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday, December 7, 9 AM to 4 PM.
Made in Rogers Park Holiday Bazaar, Loyola Park field house, 1230 W. Greenleaf, 312-742-7857. Jewelry, soap, lamps, textiles, and ceramics by neighborhood artists. Saturday, December 6, 10 AM to 3 PM.
Julmarknad, Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark, 773-728-8111. Traditional Scandinavian and modern arts and crafts. Saturday, December 6, 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday, December 7, 11 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $2.
Holiday Delight/Kodomo Matsuri, Japanese American Service Committee, 4427 N. Clark, 773-275-0097. Jewelry, paper items, clothes, ceramics, books. Saturday, December 6, 10:30 AM to 4 PM.
Hideout Holiday Sale, Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, 773-227-4433. Christmas stockings, jewelry, note cards, handmade lip balm and soap, baby clothes, handbags, and more. Tuesday, December 9 and 16, 6 to 9 PM.
Light Up the Holidays, Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont,
773-203-9658. Jewelry, hair clips, handmade soap, ceramics, ornaments, stationery, candles, stained glass. Wednesday, December 10, 6 to 10 PM.
Stuff My Stocking, Fleur Gallery, 1833 S. Halsted, 312-421-8929. “Art-filled holiday gift baskets” and jewelry. Thursday, December 11, 5 to 8 PM; Friday, December 12, noon to 8 PM; Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, 10 AM to 6 PM.
Bucktown Holiday Art Show, Holstein Park field house, 2200 N. Oakley, 312-409-4658. Jewelry, quilts, bath products, and more. Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, 11 AM to 5 PM. $1 suggested donation.
HotHouse Holiday Market, HotHouse, 31 E. Balbo, 312-362-9707. Jewelry, knitted baby clothes, vintage wear, ethnic ornaments, soap. Saturday, December 13 and 20, 11 AM to 6 PM.
Delilah’s Holiday Bazaar, Delilah’s, 2771 N. Lincoln, 773-472-2771. Clothing, jewelry, music, and more. Sunday, December 14, noon to 7 PM.
Pre-Kwanzaa Festival, South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., 312-747-2536. Clothes and crafts. Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21, 11 AM to 6 PM.